Wednesday, January 25, 2017

The cooperation between UAE and India, in trade and health care, Dr Azad Moopen, Chairman and Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare said, ”The relationship between both countries is transformational as it expands collaboration in several areas beyond the traditional areas like oil and diaspora working conditions. This will help unlock the potential to increase trade significantly. Both the countries have complementary strengths that could be leveraged effectively.” “It is the right time to start an open sky policy between UAE and India which already has nearly 1000 weekly flights between many destinations. Freeing this up by open sky policy will increases the number of flights and thus reduce the cost of travel especially for the migrant population significantly. I also suggest the bold step to look at the possibility of association of UAE in the management of Air India to improve its efficiency and profitability. With the hugely successful international carriers like Emirates and Ethihad having its home in UAE, this will be a win- win situation for everyone.”Dr. Moopen also pointed out that, “there is significant scope for development of Health Tourism potential of India, especially with GCC countriesWhile India had been traditionally the destination for treatment for many GCC countries, Bombay, Meerut, Hyderabad etc. used to be first place of choice for most in UAE earlier. Unfortunately, this has come down significantly in the last 25 years and many due to of them travel to Western countries or the Far East countries nowadays. ““This can be reversed by adopting proper policies and protocols. Important areas to focus are 1. Promote India as a destination for quality healthcare at affordable cost. 2. Ease the health visa issuance on arrival or in the country of origin through e Visa. 3. Highlight the capabilities of the Indian doctors and showcase the safety and quality attained through showcasing JCI and NABH accreditations. 4. Highlight the cost advantage of treatment in India where we can offer most advanced and special treatments at 1/3rd to 1/5th of the cost in Far East and Western countries.5. Highlight India as a destination for Holistic Healthcare through all the embassies and Consulates through AYUSH – Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha &Homeo. This will have very good acceptance in GCC.